Dedicated to Providing the BEST Bang for Your Buck!
GREAT Wet-Shaving Supplies at GREAT Prices!
FAQ:
Below we have compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions regarding our hones, who we are, where where we’re located, shipping, warranty, etc…
These questions will be updated from time to time as we get asked more and more questions.
Warranty
We guarantee that every hone that we produce will be free from defects for a period of 1 year from the date of purchase.
As with all great things, our 1 year satisfaction guarantee has come to an end. This is as a direct result of people abusing the warranty by keeping and using their hone for just shy of a year and then sending it back for a refund. So, as of 5/4/2022, any hones that we sell will only be guaranteed against defects only (such as inclusions or shipping damage). Hones sold after 5/4/2021 but before 5/4/2022 will still have the full 1 year satisfaction guarantee.
The few customers of ours who have had occasion to witness our customer service will undoubtedly say that we are very prompt in getting problems or warranty claims resolved to the customer’s satisfaction. However, unfortunately, we can not simply continue to have a policy that is so easily taken advantage of. You are free to reach out to us if you have any other issues and we will address those issues on a case-by-case basis.
Abuse and/or damage to the hone (caused by you), obviously, is not covered. So, if you drop your hone and break it, or you abuse it, it isn’t covered. Shipping damage is covered. If you receive a hone that has been damaged during shipping, DO NOT just send it back without contacting us first. You will need to provide photos of the damaged inner and outer boxes so we can determine if the damage did occur during shipping. Once it has been determined that the damage did occur during shipping contact us either by phone or email and we will let you know how to proceed from there and whether or not you need to ship the hone back to us.
Consumable items, such as soaps, wax, and strops, are not covered. Consumables may only be returned if they are unopened and unused.
Perfection 100% of the time is impossible. Our guarantee on our products is designed to handle those situations when we let the customer down. It’s rare that it happens. But, it sometimes does. This policy is the best way to ensure that prices for honest consumers aren’t inflated by people who would take advantage of opportunities to cheat the system.
If you wish to return an item, you MUST reach out to us via email and let us know that you’re wanting to initiate a return. A note containing your contact information AND whether you’re wanting a refund or replacement will also need to accompany the returned merchandise. If you fail to do either of these two, we can not issue a refund. It is FAR too easy for the shipping company or postal service to damage the name on the package. Thus, making it impossible for us to identify you and issuing you a refund or replacement.
Shipping
Typically, we can ship out your order the day after purchase. However, sometimes, shipping may be delayed an additional day or two. Orders placed after noon on Fridays and on weekends should ship on the following Monday (Tuesday at the latest).
In January of 2021, we noticed a dramatic increase in the number of orders that were delivered late (deliveries taking upwards of 1 month for domestic and 3 months for international) by the USPS. To combat such gross incompetence, we have since switched our preferred shipping carrier to UPS. We do still encourage customers who are only buying soap to continue opting for USPS for their purchase since, they do have drastically lower rates for smaller items that will fit in a #0 mailer. However, for all other purchases, we strongly recommend spending the extra couple of dollars and choose UPS. They offer much better customer service in the unlikely event that there is shipping delay. Also, their shipping times are MUCH more consistent than the USPS. UPS also sends delivery notifications via email so you know exactly when you will receive your order.
USPS will remain a shipping option upon checkout. But, be warned, they are VERY unreliable and it may take an unreasonably long time for your order to get delivered.
International Customers
As stated above, we have switched our preferred shipping carrier to UPS in an effort to provide our customers with better service and more consistent shipping times. International customers deserve as much attention to detail and service as U.S. customers. This was done mostly to provide better rates. However, as a side benefit, international customers, too, will receive detailed, ongoing tracking updates via email from the time their shipping label is generated to the moment your order is delivered.
This switch to UPS does not mean that all international shipments will be “inexpensive”. But, they are drastically lower than the USPS. By switching to UPS, we are able to tailor your shipping needs directly to your order by selecting appropriate size boxes and using actual shipping weights rather than the USPS’s “Flat Rate” services that are basically “one size fits all” and are rather expensive.
International Customers (Continued)
The rates quoted to you upon checkout are the actual rates we pay. We do not mark up our shipping. We also are not collecting the customs and import duties for your country. If you believe the amount you pay in import fees, VAT fees, and customs charges is too high, you should take that up with your government. We’re on your side. The less you have to pay to your government when you buy from us, the more international sales we make.
If you place an order that is being shipped outside of the United States, YOU are responsible for the import duties. If you refuse to pay those import duties, you leave us with one of three options: 1) Pay the import duties for you (NOT GOING TO HAPPEN!)
2) Pay to have the item shipped back (this usually costs upwards of $150-$200 USD) so, this isn’t going to happen either. 3) Abandon the package.
We will generally choose option 3 because it’s the cheapest option. However, you will NOT receive a refund if you refuse to pay the import duties. We have paid for the shipping and no longer have our merchandise through no fault of ours.
Again, you will NOT receive any refund if you refuse to pay the import duties and force us to abandon the shipment!
About us
In 2013 two guys from Louisiana who shared a passion for shaving with straight razors got together to try to find a good natural slate that was suitable for sharpening their straight razors. After trying many different common hones like the “Dragon’s Tongue” Welsh slate, several Chinese natural slates, Thuringian slates, and (the most expensive) Japanese natural stones, they rapidly came to the conclusion that the more expensive hones did, in fact, produce better edges than cheaper hones. But, did it really “need” to be that way? Well, they had to find out.
Hundreds of natural slate samples from around the world were acquired and tested. Most (like the Chinese natural slate) could do the job. However, from one sample of the same slate to another, they weren’t consistent. Others were outrageously expensive while, others simply weren’t up to the task. They had a passion for this hobby and they weren’t going to be discouraged!
That passion eventually lead them to the slate that became the popular “Imperia La Roccia” (or, ILR Hone).
We’re based out of Louisiana and have dedicated ourselves to providing our customers with the very best products available within a given budget. While, we aren’t the least expensive hones on the market any more, we are definitely “budget friendly”. And no one else offers wet-shaving and straight razor shaving products made with equal quality materials and craftsmanship at a lower cost to the consumer. Also, ALL of our products are handmade, either by us, or by artisans here in the United States of America!
Odd Orders
What’s an “odd order”??? Good question.
Our typical customer orders one hone. Maybe two different hones. Rarely does someone order multiples of the same stone. While we’re more than happy to fulfill larger orders, we need to be cautious for our sake and yours.
If you wish to make an order of more than 2 of the identical hone, please contact us first. Otherwise, your order will be cancelled. Again, this is for your protection as well. We want to make sure it’s actually you that’s using your credit card or your PayPal account.
Origin of our Stone
We realize that this has been a question that has been brought up from time to time on a few of the elitists on the shaving forums.
Here’s our official response: It comes from Mother Earth.
Elitists would have you believe that the only way you’ll get a decent edge on your razor is by purchasing a Japanese natural stone. They’re wrong. No other way to put it. Others will swear that the “best” and easiest to use stones for a beginner are synthetics. Again, they’re wrong.
Our hones have been proven time and time again to be economical, easy to use, and EXTREMELY effective at putting a great, comfortable edge on just about any straight razor.
Dr. Matt's Video
One of the best videos produced regarding our hones.
Dr. Matt (although we do know him) gives a completely unbiased opinion of our hones and shows the ease of which they’re used.
In his video, he lays out step-by-step how to maintain your razor’s edge using a progression of hones. And, toward the end of the video, he gives us a comparison of the ILR hone next to other well known, established hones.
Take note: The hone Dr. Matt uses is the same hone used in our critic’s video.
Contact Info
Shout out to doublejayranch.com. Thanks for being great guys! Here’s your backlink!
